Froggatt Edge
Froggatt Edge has a very different character to the other Gritstone edges in that it is wooded for much of its length. This only starts to thin out near to the start of Curbar Edge, although it is difficult to see where they join as there's little of a natural break between them. It sits high above the village of Froggatt and beautifully wooded valley sides rolling down to the River Derwent and the village of Calver.
Froggatt Edge is very popular with climbers and has over 220 recognised routes over its short length, which possibly makes it more densely populated with routes than the 4 miles of Stanage Edge. The large near vertical slabs of gritstone some over 17m high make it a haven for climbing and bouldering. Even in wet weather it's good given the grip offerred by the stone!
(2007-1001746) Froggatt Edge
(2008-1257) Looking north from Froggatt Edge
Views
Froggatt Edge is beautifully situated and high enough at around 300 meters above sea level for great views down the Derwent Valley in both directions. It is also a great place to see the aircraft that are occasionally flown down the Valley, presumably RAF training flights. Given that the valley narrows at this point it is sometimes possible to get quite close and look down onto an aircraft as it weaves its way, but can be rather disconcerting. I have more than once been happily walking along quietly and in my own thoughts only to be surprised by a few seconds of loud engine noise and then a plane emerging round the corner. Of course, I have never had a suitably long telephoto lens attached to my camera at that precise moment either!
It is well worth while looking out for the stone circle adjacent to Stoke Flat. Stoke Flat is the area just above the woods at the northern end of Froggatt Edge, and the circle of 11 stones close to the path where the trees start to thin out. As stone circles go this example is not particularly impressive; the stones are not very tall and it appears to have deteriorated significantly since first constructed!
As with all other Edges, the best light for photography is sunset. The rocks display all manner of shapes and coupled with warm evening sunlight can make great images. The wooded areas can also make great subject matter, espcially in the autumn.
(2008-1253) Weathered rocks on Froggatt Edge
(2007-1001739) Froggatt Edge
(2007-1001780) Froggatt Edge and Curbar Edge looking east towards Baslow Edge in distance
(2007-1001828) Runner on Froggatt Edge
Access and Walking
The National Trust Hay Wood car park or the lay-bye on the A625 that runs up from Calver towards Sheffield both make a good start to a walk along Froggatt Edge. A well made path runs through the wooded start and brings you out onto the edge itself. The path continues along the edge and almost seamlessly becomes Curbar Edge, the delineation between them being a short climb up to Curbar Edge. This path then follows Curbar Edge to the car park at Curbar Gap and beyond along Baslow Edge.
A walk along Froggatt is a very pleasant and easy stroll from the car park and back again, but for the more adventurous or energetic can be combined with many other routes. The walk along White Edge, for instance, includes the entire length of Froggatt Edge. Alternatively one could start at Calver, walk along the Derwent and up to Froggatt Edge, along Curbar Edge and back down to Calver.
Be sure to pause to take in the views both up the Derwent Valley towards Hope and down the valley towards Chatsworth. There are plenty of excellent vantage points for gazing or taking photographs, as you wish, but be sure to try to avoid the ugly scars on the opposite site of the valley from the limestone quarries around Stoney Middleton.
Maps and Guides
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL24 - The Peak District White Peak Area